Wright Tool Compact Flex Head Ratchet

[CGarage]

Matco and GearWrench shouldn't be used in the same sentence. The Matco feels like a Swiss watch at the flex mechanism. GearWrench is seemingly made from parts that weren't designed to go together. I bought the whole set of 90T locking-flex a year ago. Worst tool purchase ever.

-Ryan

This was not my experience personally with the 1/4” locking flex heads I compared between these two.

Interesting.

 

[VolvoRyan]

This was not my experience personally with the 1/4” locking flex heads I compared between these two.

Interesting.

It's very possible that GearWrench fixed the 90T's. There's a bunch of threads and comments on GJ about them being ridiculously sloppy. There are even folks who have designed fixes for theirs with shims.

The problems that I found (when I broke out the calipers) were that the "pin" for the flex mechanism was too thin (or the hole in the head to big), plus, the "fork" was too wide. Consequently, the head could move quite a bit. The spring detent then transferred the vibrations down the handle. All three drive sizes exhibited this. I think mine are now in the bag for salvage yard missions.

-Ryan

 

[CGarage]

It's very possible that GearWrench fixed the 90T's. There's a bunch of threads and comments on GJ about them being ridiculously sloppy. There are even folks who have designed fixes for theirs with shims.

The problems that I found (when I broke out the calipers) were that the "pin" for the flex mechanism was too thin (or the hole in the head to big), plus, the "fork" was too wide. Consequently, the head could move quite a bit. The spring detent then transferred the vibrations down the handle. All three drive sizes exhibited this. I think mine are now in the bag for salvage yard missions.

-Ryan

Good post. And information.

 

[rockettauto]

Not yet but I'll get to it soon enough. I have all quite old wright stuff, so I'll be updating that collection through this year...the 1/4 flexhead contour is on my list.

 

[assassin10000]

When the head on the Matco is unlocked is it detent or smooth?

Smooth.

Technically detent..... but barely. You can hear a little clicking, but you can't feel it.

-Ryan

That's the spring loaded locking switch flat inner/unlocked section running across the locking teeth. Just makes noise but doesn't actually detent.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Smooth.

That's the spring loaded locking switch flat inner/unlocked section running across the locking teeth. Just makes noise but doesn't actually detent.

You said it better than me!

 

[VolvoRyan]

I thought of this thread while using this ratchet today. I love having a small ratchet on the end of a spinner handle. I snapped a couple quick pics while taking a break from the HOT in southern Indiana!

-Ryan

 

[JWC86]

Smooth.

That's the spring loaded locking switch flat inner/unlocked section running across the locking teeth. Just makes noise but doesn't actually detent.

Interesting, I will start keeping a eye on eBay for a 1/4 one that I will convert.

Are they made in the US?

 

[assassin10000]

Interesting, I will start keeping a eye on eBay for a 1/4 one that I will convert.

Are they made in the US?

I believe so, but can't say for sure

 

[VolvoRyan]

I believe so, but can't say for sure

They are made in the USA, but they seem to come from different suppliers every few years or so.

-Ryan

 

[assassin10000]

They are made in the USA, but they seem to come from different suppliers every few years or so.

-Ryan

Seems so.

The last change I can recall was when Armstrong was shut down.

 

[bryant 24]

what do you mean detent and floppy joint？the flex position with detent ball？Without detent ball will be too floppy

I've tried GW and don't plan on buying anymore of their ratchets. I hate detents and floppy joints. I'll gladly buy a tested design made in the USA ratchet over a ratchet from a company that continues to race to the bottom in quality.

 

[bryant 24]

I think the GW head itself are decent, at least the 84 and 90T. But yes I also can’t stand detents and floppy flex heads. I have a set of GW 90T locking flex heads and the only time I use them is the very odd occurrence that I need a locking flex.

I like Snap-On non locking flex heads and IMO Nepros has the best flex head design with the tensioned Teflon bushing but that’s getting a bit off topic.

I’m looking for a medium/long length compact 3/8 flex head which is how I stumbled on the little Wright. If it was a little longer I would have probably just bought it already, still might if I can’t find something longer.

Middle length （12-13 inch ）3/8 drive in 1/4 body？